A Moment of Meditation for Mom -Working Overtime

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Working overtime is not an uncommon thing for people. Many jobs require overtime. Parents who stay at home to take care of their children could often say they work “overtime.” Do you ever feel you are not getting what you deserve for all that overtime you are putting in? Does anyone even notice you are working so hard? You are not alone.

It is difficult in many jobs to get all of the work done during the regular 9 to 5 work day. Some jobs pay overtime and others do not. You might be feeling overworked if you are at a job that does not get paid overtime. You are working hard and getting what needs to get done. Yet, is anyone paying you or even thanking you for your time and effort? The more this happens, the more frustrating it can get to continue working so hard.

Stay at home parents can often relate to working “overtime” and not getting paid for it. Some might think that the “job” is done when the kids are in bed. However, all parents know that that is never the case. There is always more that could be done. You can sit down and take a rest when the kids go to bed, but the basket of laundry sitting next to you or the pile of dishes in the kitchen call to you. You know that your work is never really done. Does anyone pay you to keep working when the kids are in bed? Does it ever feel like no one even notices what you do?

It is easy to feel alone when you are working overtime. However, we can always remember there was someone else who worked long hours, never got paid, and certainly never got what he deserved. The person we can look to is Jesus.

Jesus worked endless hours during his ministry here on earth. He barely had time to rest some days. Jesus had good days and definitely had his bad days. He had days when he was thanked for his message and kindness. However, there were other days he was ridiculed and persecuted for his efforts. Jesus continued day in and day out to carry out his work until the end of his ministry. He knew his work was important and that it must be done. Jesus said in Luke 5:43, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

Jesus knew what would be the result of his teaching and preaching. Many people came to faith and he gained many disciples. Jesus also knew what the end result for him would be. He was willing to do his work here on earth so he could be our substitute by suffering and dying on the cross to take away our sins. By all human reasoning, he must have surely felt lonely at times. Yet, Jesus knew what must be done and he did it out of love for us. He did it without overtime pay and without praise from everyone around him.

We can look to Jesus when we are feeling alone. We can also draw strength from Jesus when we feel overworked. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus was willing to take on the burden of the world out of love for us. God sees what we are doing when others do not seem to. Let us do what we can and give praise to God for all that he has given us! “So whether you eat of drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Dear God, Help us to remember that we are not alone. You do see our hard work and efforts. Help us to do everything, whether it is work or play, to your glory. Amen.

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Meet Emily…

My name is Emily and I am a mother of three girls. My husband and I have been happily married for 11 years. I was a teacher before I became a mother and now I creatively try to do both. I have a lot of interests and hobbies that I'd love to share with you!